Engadget RSS Feedhttp://www.engadget.com
Engadgethttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gifEngadgethttp://www.engadget.com
en-usCopyright 2015 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/swtors-assassin-shadow-discipline-changes-detailed/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/swtors-assassin-shadow-discipline-changes-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/swtors-assassin-shadow-discipline-changes-detailed/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsStar Wars: The Old Republic fans, I'm sure you know the drill by now. The Shadow of Revan expansion is introducing major class changes and basically revamping talent trees in favor of a new discipline system. BioWare has been putting out a dev diary every couple of days to outline the tweaks to each of the game's classes. Today's installment focuses on the Jedi Shadow and the Sith Assassin.

Dev blog
]]>
assassinbiowaredisciplineseaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playlucasartssci-fishadowshadow-of-revanstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-disciplinesthe-old-republictorTue, 11 Nov 2014 17:30:00 -0500319|20992233http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/23/the-daily-grind-are-you-into-stealthing-mechanics/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/23/the-daily-grind-are-you-into-stealthing-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/23/the-daily-grind-are-you-into-stealthing-mechanics/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Apart from the Imperial Agent in Star Wars: The Old Republic, I haven't played a lot of stealth-able characters in MMOs. For me, I just don't see the appeal of sucker-punching bad guys instead of facing off in a fair fight; it kind of makes me feel as though I'm bullying them. Plus, having to walk slower in stealth, constantly worry about positioning, and ignoring the illogic of disappearing in broad daylight all wave me off of such characters.

But that's me and those are my hang-ups. I know that stealthing is pretty popular in certain quarters, and I can concede that when done right (as in the Thief series) it can be a compelling mechanic. So I'd like to hear whether you're into being all stealthy in MMOs and what you think about how these systems have been handled over the years.

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

]]>
assassindaily-grindmechanicsopinionroguestalkerstealthstealthingtdgthe-daily-grindWed, 23 Apr 2014 08:00:00 -0400319|20872400http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/29/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-changing-combat-in-update-2-5/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/29/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-changing-combat-in-update-2-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/29/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-changing-combat-in-update-2-5/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Let's talk about the combat changes coming in Star Wars: The Old Republic Update 2.5. We'll see pretty large sweeping changes to a couple of my favorite classes and some much-needed changes to others. Some of the changes make me question the thought processes of the designers, and some much-needed changes seem to be absent.

I don't consider myself a combat design expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I have played every class in SWTOR extensively with the exception of the Bounty Hunter and Trooper classes. But then those two classes aren't seeing any major changes in Update 2.5. Therefore, I don't have much to talk about with them anyway. My favorite class is the Marauder/Sentinel, so the nerfs and upgrades to that class are dear to me. But I also really enjoy the Operative/Scoundrel class as well. This class will see (and frankly, not see) some changes in the upcoming patch. But I believe the class that is affected the most is the Madness/Balance-specced Inquisitor/Consular. Let's start there.

]]>
assassinassassin-tankbiowareclassclasseseaelectronic-artsfeaturedhyperspace-beaconlucasartsmadnessmadness-specopinionpvepvppvp-balancesci-fishadowshadow-tanksorcererstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorupdate-2.5Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:00:00 -0400319|20755522http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/08/the-summoners-guidebook-stealth-mechanics-stiletto-heels-and/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/08/the-summoners-guidebook-stealth-mechanics-stiletto-heels-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/08/the-summoners-guidebook-stealth-mechanics-stiletto-heels-and/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Recently my League of Legends games have included a lot of solo mid (mostly by choice), and while I play Syndra quite a bit because she's really fun, I've had the most success playing Evelynn. I've had a fair number of games where I've carried my team kicking and screaming over the goal line despite their insistence on making awful decisions. I just walked into teamfights, hit R, and proceeded to steamroll their entire team after a completely dominating laning phase where I ganked everywhere including the enemy jungle.

Evelynn's pretty much the polar opposite of Poppy. They both have blue skin, but the similarities pretty much end there. Poppy is a tiny tomboyish warrior in plate and chain with a mighty hammer and a direct approach to problems. Evelynn is a subtle temptress with stealth, vampiric abilities, a supermodel figure, and an outfit that suggests that "lady of the night" might have a double meaning.

]]>
assassineveevelynnf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhookerleagueleague-of-legendslolmid-lanemobaopinionprostituteriotriot-gamesshadow-islesstealthstilettostiletto-heelsstilettosstrippersummoners-guidebookthe-summoners-guidebookvampireThu, 08 Aug 2013 17:00:00 -0400319|20689146http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-summoners-guidebook-how-do-assassins-work-in-league-of-leg/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-summoners-guidebook-how-do-assassins-work-in-league-of-leg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-summoners-guidebook-how-do-assassins-work-in-league-of-leg/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
In case you didn't notice, the title of this week's column is a question. It's not because I know the answer; it's because I've been thinking a lot about it lately and don't have a really good answer.

Assassins are in a strange state when it comes to teamfights. In League of Legends, there's a period when teams tend to group up to fight over objectives. This marks the midgame in Summoner's Rift, it happens after altars unlock in Twisted Treeline, and it occurs anytime both teams know where the other team is on the Crystal Scar. We've discussed teamfights a lot already, but what is troubling is the presence of assassins in these fights. Assassins are best when they're able to jump in and kill an unprepared target, ideally before a teamfight starts. Once that's done, their team can jump in with a numbers advantage and take the objective or wipe out the enemy.

When both teams are grouped up ahead of time, assassins lose a lot of their might. Assassins can't kill without exposing themselves to heavy risk, which makes them a liability to their team until they jump in. After they jump in, they're still likely to be the first ones to get focused down.

What do we do about this? What's the solution? I don't have a clear answer -- but I can still share my observations.

]]>
akaliassassinassasssinsdyingevelynnf2pfeaturedfree-to-playkassadinleagueleague-of-legendslolmobanurse-akaliopinionpatrick-does-not-know-everything-about-leagueplaying-badquestionquestion-for-readersriotriot-gamessummoners-guidebookteamfightteamfightingteamfightsthe-summoners-guidebookThu, 09 May 2013 18:00:00 -0400319|20562104http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/hyperspace-beacon-all-swtor-classes-are-useful-in-huttball-par/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/hyperspace-beacon-all-swtor-classes-are-useful-in-huttball-par/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/hyperspace-beacon-all-swtor-classes-are-useful-in-huttball-par/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
A few weeks ago, after many weeks of seeing new players in Star Wars: The Old Republic warzones, I thought it would be a good idea to post a little guide on the basics of winning Huttball. Interestingly, that article birthed a conversation about how some classes were better suited for the game, but more importantly, some players had given up on the warzone because they felt that their particular class didn't work in Huttball at all.

Admittedly, certain classes do have more utilities that make them a better fit for the game, but I believe every class has its role in this particular arena. And more importantly, I believe that every class can have fun and feel useful. However, some players need a bit of training.

]]>
Assassinbiowarebounty-huntercommandoeaelectronic-artsfeaturedguideguideshuttballhyperspace-beaconjedi-consularJedi-sageJedi-Shadowlucasartsmercenaryopinionplayer-vs-playerPowertechPvPRepublic-Troopersagesci-fishadowsith-assassinsith-inquisitorsith-sorcerersorcererstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictortroopervanguardwarzonewarzonesTue, 28 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0400319|20309902http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/leaderboard-ninja-vs-pirate/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/leaderboard-ninja-vs-pirate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/leaderboard-ninja-vs-pirate/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Theirs is a rivalry born not from historical conflict but from bored nerds eating cheap pizza and debating hypothetical grudge matches. Well done, nerds -- now the entire world thinks that you can have pirates and you can have ninjas, but you cannot have both without an epic beatdown.

Everyone seems to take a side on which is cooler: the roguish pirate or the mysterious ninja. Practically all fantasy MMOs have both represented in some way, whether it be World of Warcraft's Bloodsail Buccaneers or Guild Wars Factions' Assassin. If developers really wanted to inject some life into PvP, they'd make it PvN -- Pirate vs. Ninja. In any case, these two pajama-clad murderers are inseparable from our games, and chances are you've come to a conclusion as to which adds more flavor, panache, and coolness to the setting.

I'd like to say that we're going to settle this debate today, but whom am I kidding? It's never going to be settled because people are still bickering about Mike vs. Joel, Picard vs. Kirk, and Big Red vs. Doublemint. Let's just say our piece and then commence with a duel at dawn in the comments, m'kay?

]]>
assassinbattle-royalbig-redbloodsail-buccaneersdoublemintfactionsguild-warsguild-wars-factionsjoelkirkleaderboardmikeninjaninjasone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpicardpiratepiratespollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsworld-of-warcraftMon, 23 Jul 2012 12:00:00 -0400319|20283409http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/the-summoners-guidebook-upping-my-kill-death-ratio/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/the-summoners-guidebook-upping-my-kill-death-ratio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/the-summoners-guidebook-upping-my-kill-death-ratio/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Those of you who have been reading WRUP know that I've been playing a lot of Kassadin lately. He's an assassin with a very high skill cap, and he's ridiculously powerful in Dominion. Kassadin is also kind of hard to play. He has a lot of strange mechanics, and his powerful tricks are somewhat unintuitive. Recently, I had a small epiphany that dramatically improved my skill. This improvement improved more than just my Kassadin game; it boosted my overall skill level with every champion in League of Legends.

Before I made this development, I was performing terribly. I ended up playing a lot of bot matches because I felt my execution with Kassadin was really awful, and every time I went back to PvP games, I felt more and more behind. Suddenly, after a string of bad decisions cost me a match, I realized something I was doing wrong and went on to begin dominating. I went from getting focused down early every fight to utterly demolishing teams and causing enemy players to second-guess fighting me 1v1 even with both of us full on life. What's the secret, you ask? I'd like to tell you, so read on!

If you are allergic to stupefyingly adorable things, you may want to look away now. If you're not, you may be interested in KoramGame's upcoming free-to-play title Spirit Tales. Fans of fluffy wittle animal-people with eyes the size of some small galaxies will find themselves right at home with the two newly announced tribes, the Lunar Fox tribe and the Maned Dragon tribe.

Each tribe has its own unique classes available to it; the Maned Dragon tribe sticks to tradition with the mainstays of Warrior (which plays the role of defender) and Archer (which supplies ranged DPS), while the Lunar Fox tribe bring some magic and cunning (and lots of DPS) to the table with the Sorcerer and Assassin classes. The full details on each tribe and its respective classes can be found over at the official Spirit Tales forums.

]]>
animearcherassassinclassclassesf2pfree-to-playits-so-fluffy-im-gonna-diekoramgamekoramgame-ltdlunar-foxmaned-dragonraceracessorcererspirit-talestribetribeswarriorThu, 29 Mar 2012 20:00:00 -0400319|20204323http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/now-you-dont-see-him-meet-planetside-2s-infiltrator/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/now-you-dont-see-him-meet-planetside-2s-infiltrator/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/now-you-dont-see-him-meet-planetside-2s-infiltrator/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
He's the boogeyman whom battle-hardened soldiers fear and the guy whom Batman consults with on a daily basis. He's the Infiltrator, PlanetSide 2's sneaky assassin, and he won't stop coming for you until you are dead. Unless he gets lost. Planets are big.

SOErevealed the Infiltrator today as the game's stealth-user and long-distance sniper. Using advanced technology and camouflage systems, the Infiltrator can get to places that no other class can -- and do a lot of damage once there. Interestingly enough, while the Infiltrator lacks heavy armor, SOE does claim that the class' tactical advantages will prove to be just as protective as a titanium suit.

Infiltrators can use both sniper and scout rifles as well as pistols for close-quarter combat. The sniper rifle boasts the best range, while the scout rifle is better for mobile assault missions. It will, of course, be up to the player to decide whichever is the best to use in which situation.

]]>
assassinclassclass-revealfpsinfiltratormmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sci-fiscoutshootersnipersoesonysony-online-entertainmentThu, 22 Mar 2012 16:00:00 -0400319|20199144http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/encrypted-text-examining-the-rogues-assassin-ancestry/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=WoW&ncid=rss_semi
http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/encrypted-text-examining-the-rogues-assassin-ancestry/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/encrypted-text-examining-the-rogues-assassin-ancestry/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=WoW#commentsEvery week, WoW Insider brings you Encrypted Text for assassination, combat and subtlety rogues. Chase Christian will be your guide to the world of shadows every Wednesday. Feel free to email me with any questions or article suggestions you'd like to see covered here.

If you start looking into the history of the rogue class, you end up reaching several dead ends. The reason is that a rogue who's easy to track or trace isn't much of a rogue at all. We specialize in disappearing, which makes rogue family trees notoriously difficult to map. Garona Halforcen is often considered to be the mother of the rogue class, executing one of the earliest and most daring acts of assassination and regicide in Azeroth's history.

The truth is that if we want to find our spiritual beginnings, we have to look back even further than Garona and even further away than Azeroth. The true ancestor of today's rogue class first found life eons ago, in another realm, known only as Sanctuary. There, the assassin class stood against the three Prime Evils, defeating the Burning Hell's greatest powers with elegance and subterfuge. The rogues of WoW were inspired by the assassins of Diablo II, and that influence can still be felt today.

]]>
assassinassassin-is-rogueassassin-vs-rogueassassinationassassination-rogue-encrypted-textblade-shieldburst-of-speedchargesclass-helpcloak-of-shadowscombat-rogue-encrypted-textcombo-pointsd2diablodiablo-2diablo-iidragon-flightfadefeaturedguideguide-to-roguespoisonsprime-evilsrogue-assassination-encrypted-textrogue-combat-encrypted-textrogue-guiderogue-inforogue-is-assassinrogue-subtlety-encrypted-textrogue-talentsrogue-vs-assassinsanctuaryslice-and-dicestealthsubtlety-rogue-encrypted-texttalenttalentsvenomworld-of-warcraft-class-guideworld-of-warcraft-guidewow-class-guidewow-class-helpwow-guidewow-roguewow-rogue-infowow-rogueswow-talent-guideWed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -050099|20165849http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/wakfu-open-beta-starts-january-4th/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/wakfu-open-beta-starts-january-4th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/wakfu-open-beta-starts-january-4th/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsAnkama and Square-Enix have announced that Wakfu's open beta will begin on January 4th. The date will also mark the release of content update 0.311, which will bring a new achievement tracking tool and the Srams Shadow class to the game. The Shadow is an assassin archetype who comes complete with invisibility mechanics and the ability to dish out considerable melee damage.

The devs will also be wiping the servers for the open beta phase, but contest, promotional items, and holiday event items will persist through the reset. Ankama is also temporarily removing two classes (the Ecaflip and the Rogue) for further balancing. Look for the Rogue and its rival Masqueraider to make their return shortly after Wakfu's February launch.

]]>
ankamaassassinbetaclassesf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsinvisibilityopen-betaserver-wipeshadowsquare-enixsrams-shadowstealthwakfuMon, 26 Dec 2011 14:00:00 -0500319|20135280http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-sith-inquisitor/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-sith-inquisitor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-sith-inquisitor/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
OK, enough of these goody-goody Jedi, all right? It's time to come to the Dark Side of Star Wars: The Old Republic, where the Sith Inquisitor reigns supreme. The Inquisitor fills a variety of roles within the ranks of the Empire, from healing to ranged DPS to melee DPS to tanking. There's an option for any playstyle, which makes the Inquisitor a great character for the indecisive among us. Also, you get Force Lightning, so that's pretty cool.

On your journey as a Sith Inquisitor, you begin as a slave who has recently discovered his (or her) Force-sensitivity. As you arrive at the Sith Academy on the red planet of Korriban, you're faced with a simple choice: Become Sith -- or die.

Last week, Ignited Gamesannounced the upcoming 2-D side-scroller WindSlayer 2. This week, the title is back for more with a new developer diary that looks at the game's melee classes. Those who prefer to go wading into battle on the front lines will have three choices: the valiant Warrior, the dexterous Rogue, or the enlightened Monk.

For the full details on each of these classes, head on past the cut for the full dev diary. And once you're done, don't forget to head on over to the game's official site (linked below) to register for a shot at a spot in the closed beta test.

]]>
assassinberserkerclassclassesclose-rangecounterdev-diaryfighterignitedignited-gamesmeleemonkpaladinroguetommy-luotrapperwarriorwindslayer-2Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:30:00 -0400319|20082019http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/blade-and-soul-beta-videos-show-more-assassin-footage-dungeon-com/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/blade-and-soul-beta-videos-show-more-assassin-footage-dungeon-com/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/blade-and-soul-beta-videos-show-more-assassin-footage-dungeon-com/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsBlade & Soul's closed beta phases are a tough ticket for American game journalists, but luckily many of the Korean testers have been capturing their experiences and uploading the videos to YouTube.

MMO Culture has collected a few of these choice morsels, and there is a range of gameplay on display including more Assassin class combos and abilities (this time in a game context instead of a promotional clip) as well as quite a bit of dungeon-crawling footage.

The videos, which you can view after the cut, show a mixture of solo and group play in a couple of different environments. While most of the clips are around 10 minutes in length (or under), there's quite a lot to take in if you're unfamiliar with the martial arts MMO. Blade & Soul is being developed by NCsoft and is currently undergoing its second Korean closed beta test. The company has yet to announce plans to market the title in Europe or America.

]]>
assassinbetablade-and-soulclosed-betaclosed-beta-2combatdungeon-runningdungeonsfantasygame-mechanicskorean-betakorean-closed-betancsoftvideoThu, 01 Sep 2011 11:30:00 -0400319|20032411http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/blade-and-soul-assassin-abilities-on-display-in-new-video/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/blade-and-soul-assassin-abilities-on-display-in-new-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/blade-and-soul-assassin-abilities-on-display-in-new-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Say what you will about NCsoft's mysterious Blade & Soul import, but it certainly brings its share of eye candy to the table. MMO Culture has posted a new video featuring the martial arts MMORPG, and the clip centers on the nimble Assassin class and its deadly array of combos and fighting abilities.

The video runs under two minutes and is basically a series of one-on-one combat vignettes. If your Korean language skills are up to the task, you might be able to decipher the various intertitles and subtitles that accompany the presentation. If not, you can still get a feel for how the class is going to play thanks to the footage, which you can view in its entirety after the cut.

]]>
abilitiesassassinblade-and-soulclass-videoclassesclosed-beta-2combatcombosfantasygame-mechanicsgameplaykorean-betakorean-importkorean-mmomartial-artsncsoftnew-titlesvideoFri, 26 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400319|20027568http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/the-game-archaeologist-uncovers-shadowbane-talking-with-josef-h/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/the-game-archaeologist-uncovers-shadowbane-talking-with-josef-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/the-game-archaeologist-uncovers-shadowbane-talking-with-josef-h/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
After a couple of weeks of talking with players about their favorite experiences in Shadowbane, I decided it was high time to flip the discussion from those who played it to those who made it.

Today we're going to kick off a two-part interview with the makers of Shadowbane, Josef Hall and Todd Coleman. It's interesting to realize that while MMOs come and go, many developers remain in the industry, moving between projects in surprising ways. In this case, both Hall and Coleman went from the brutal lands of cutthroat PvP to a colorful kids title: Wizard101. It's hard to imagine two MMOs being more different, but that goes to show you that developers, like gamers, don't always like being pigeonholed into specific roles. The duo were extremely eager to talk about Shadowbane, as you'll see from this interview. Buckle up -- you're in for a treat!

The Game Archaeologist: Can you introduce yourself to us and explain how you became involved with Shadowbane?

Todd Coleman: And I'm Todd Coleman, co-founder of Wolfpack. I'm currently the VP of Production and Creative for KingsIsle. Josef and I still work together; we were the two first people brought in start the dev studio for KingsIsle here in Austin.

Hall: In fact, Wizard101 was our idea, which is a bit odd, given that we were also the first two people to come up with the core idea behind Shadowbane.

]]>
alphaassassinbetacampaigncentaurcrunchdisciple-runesfeaturedguild-politicsguild-vs-guildjosef-hallpolice-statepoliticssandboxshadowbanetodd-colemanubisoftwolfpackwolfpack-studiosTue, 23 Aug 2011 12:30:00 -0400319|20021934http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
When we started into The Matrix Online month last week on The Game Archaeologist, one of the comments caught my eye. Massively reader stealthrider wrote:

Please, please do a tribute to Rarebit. MxO was his baby, and no one took its death worse than he.

He did everything for that game, much of it single-handedly. Everything from playing the canon characters and co-writing the story to fixing hundreds of bugs and even creating a new zone from scratch. Not to mention developing and implementing the story missions, new items, the RP item vendors, and pretty much everything else in MxO's final couple of years. He even implemented and moderated a player-created minigame as part of the official story.

He retired from game development in the months before MxO's shutdown. He was that dedicated to this game that he couldn't work on anything else afterward.

He's a god among developers, and he is as sorely missed as the game itself.

I think this sums up how many Matrix Online vets feel about Ben "Rarebit" Chamberlain. So instead of a mere tribute, we drove the MassivelyMobile over to Chamberlain's house (read: send a polite email request), and he graciously said he'd be glad to reminisce with us. So hit that jump to find out the last word on MxO from the dev who held it together!

]]>
aliens-versus-predator-2architectassassinben-chamberlainben-rarebit-chamberlainbluepillcinematicscommander-lockdevdeveloperfeaturedgrandmasterin-game-eventsinterviewkung-fulittle-nemolive-eventslive-events-teammatrixmatrix-onlinemissionsmonolithMonolith-ProductionsmorpheusmxooraclePaul-Chadwickrarebitredpillsoesony-online-entertainmentspystorystorylinethe-matrixthe-matrix-onlineWachowskiWinsor-McCayzionTue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 -0400319|19940898http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Ever since I started following RIFT, I've been entranced by the wide-open -- but not limitless -- class system. After all, the virtual world and everything populating it is only half the game; the other half resides in the avatar that sticks with you while you explore it all. Many MMOs have interesting ways of letting you build and grow your character, but sooner or later they come to a point where there's little more to be done other than incrementally increasing your stats by gaining better gear.

Not so with RIFT, as even a level 50 can drop a few coins to shape a completely new build from scratch. No longer are we bound to a rigidly defined creation; we are free to experiment, tinker, and try out these roles to our hearts' content.

With RIFT's soul system, there are a few ground rules that everyone learns early in the game. You can have up to three souls in your archetype active at any one time; you can only spend as many points in a build as you have in levels (such as 10 points at level 10); and you'll end up with 66 points at level 50, which means that you'll at least dabble in a second soul tree with every build. And while you can certainly spread soul points across all three trees, today I wanted to look at the benefits of a zero-point soul, the "third wheel," if you will, of builds.

]]>
archonassassinbardbeastmasterbladedancerbuildbuildschampionchloromancerclassclass-buildsclassesclericdominatordruiddungeons-and-dragonselemental-summonerenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedhealinghealsjusticarmagemagic-the-gatheringnecromancerpaladinpetpetspurifierrangerreaverriftriftbladeriftstalkerroguesaboteursentinelshamanshieldssoulsoul-buildsoul-talent-treesoul-treesoul-treessoulssplashsplash-soultalent-treestalentsvoid-knightwardenwarlockwarlordwarriorzero-point-soulWed, 16 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0400319|19879876http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/guild-wars-2-designers-discuss-the-last-three-guild-wars-2-profe/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/guild-wars-2-designers-discuss-the-last-three-guild-wars-2-profe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/guild-wars-2-designers-discuss-the-last-three-guild-wars-2-profe/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Are the Mesmer and Assassin returning to Guild Wars 2 or not? Speculation on these two professions has been ongoing and enthusiastic among Guild Wars fans, and designers Eric Flannum and Jon Peters added a hefty dose of fuel to the fire in their interview with Eurogamer today.

The two didn't offer a definitive answer on these two classes but hinted that the Mesmer profession might not be returning exactly as we know it. Jon Peters commented that "people who enjoy that playstyle will be happy," but didn't offer further clarification. Eric Flannum did confirm that we have one more light armor class and two more medium armor classes -- what those are remain to be seen, hopefully very soon.

]]>
anetarenanetassassineric-flannumeurogamerguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2jon-petersmesmerncsoftWed, 23 Feb 2011 14:30:00 -0500319|19856163http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/encrypted-text-rogue-roles-in-pvp/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=WoW&ncid=rss_semi
http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/encrypted-text-rogue-roles-in-pvp/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/encrypted-text-rogue-roles-in-pvp/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=WoW#commentsEvery week, WoW Insider brings you Encrypted Text for assassination, combat and subtlety rogues. Chase Christian will be your guide to the world of shadows every Wednesday. Feel free to email me with any questions!

The rogue is the most feared class in player vs. player combat. While other classes may have had their 15 minutes of fame at the top, the rogue has been perennially powerful. In WoW, we were so hated that an entire video series was dedicated to how overpowered we must've been. In The Burning Crusade, the legendary Warglaive combo made us infamous in arena play. Death knights did dominate in the early stages of Wrath, but rogues came back strong throughout the patches.

Cataclysm was the first time that I ever worried about the survival of the class in PvP. With health pools skyrocketing again and the much-maligned stunlock nerfed, it was obvious that fights were going to last longer than ever. Our energy system enables us to keep up offensively for an indefinite period of time, but our defenses typically gave out once our cooldowns had been consumed. Figuring out a way to stay alive throughout prolonged combat was going to be the key to success.

With The Shattering's complete ruination of the planet, Azeroth has been transformed forever. Entire zones have been uprooted, flooded, and even broken in half. Deathwing's ascent to the mortal realm has left our world with several battle scars. Thrall and the shaman are doing trying their hardest to contain the damage, but the elemental planes are bleeding through. Insert some bad pun using the word Cataclysm here.

Rogues have been sneaking through Azeroth for eons. Mages weren't around until a race discovered magic, and priests couldn't heal anyone until they discovered the Light. The art of stealth has been around for as long as there have been shadows to hide in. We've walked a million miles without ever leaving a footprint and killed a million foes whose bodies were never found. As we watch the Azeroth we've known and loved disintegrate around us, I can't help but remember our history.

]]>
assassinassassination-rogue-encrypted-textbarman-shankerclass-helpcombat-rogue-encrypted-textfeaturedgank-roguegankingguideguide-to-roguespoisonpoison-questpoisonsrogue-assassination-encrypted-textrogue-combat-encrypted-textrogue-gankrogue-guiderogue-inforogue-poisonrogue-subtlety-encrypted-textrogue-talentsscarlet-monasterystranglethorn-valesubtlety-rogue-encrypted-texttalenttalentsworld-of-warcraft-class-guideworld-of-warcraft-guidewow-class-guidewow-class-helpwow-guidewow-roguewow-rogue-infowow-rogueswow-talent-guideWed, 24 Nov 2010 17:00:00 -050099|19729883http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/forsaken-worlds-assassin-slices-and-dices/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/forsaken-worlds-assassin-slices-and-dices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/forsaken-worlds-assassin-slices-and-dices/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments"By the time you see one,"Perfect World Entertainment promises, "it's already too late." Of course when you do see one of Forsaken World's assassins, your last thought may be,"Where are all your clothes, girl?"

The assassin is the focus of Forsaken World'slatest class spotlight, and if you're thinking "rogue" right now, you're not too far off the mark. This class, playable only by Human and Kindred characters, certainly seems to embody many of the typical qualities of a MMO rogue, from dual-wielding to stealth attacks to working off a combo points system. However, they do get a few interesting abilities, such as being able to run down fleeing opponents with as much mercy as you might expect from an assassin.

The class spotlight also lists a few of the assassin's skills-in-progress, which include a brief increase to run speed, the ability to enter and remain in stealth even while in combat, and transferring a slow effect from yourself to your enemy. You can read the full rundown over at Forsaken World.

]]>
assassinclassclass-spotlightf2pforsaken-worldfree-to-playhumankindredperfect-world-entertainmentroguestealthunderboobageThu, 23 Sep 2010 11:00:00 -0400319|19645624http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/gamescom-2010-bioware-reveals-10-new-advance-classes-for-tor/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/gamescom-2010-bioware-reveals-10-new-advance-classes-for-tor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/gamescom-2010-bioware-reveals-10-new-advance-classes-for-tor/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
We've known for a while now that Star Wars: The Old Republic is planning to offer players two different specializations for each class, but up until now we've only heard of a couple of them. Today at Gamescom, however, BioWare unloaded the names and loose descriptions of ten advanced classes. The best part? No Bothans died for this information.

Darth Hater reports that imperial agent characters will have the choice between specializing as snipers (long-range DPS) or operatives (who use stealth and short-range weapons to get up close and personal). If a bounty hunter is more to your liking, then the choice between a powertech and a mercenary should get your imagination racing. Over on the Republic side, troopers will sign up for either commando or vanguard training. Commandos are the tanking line, although we don't know much about vanguards yet. SWTOR-Station spied a Zabrak trooper at the BioWare booth, indicating another possible race for the class.

Force-users are also in store for powerful upgrades. The villainous Sith inquisitors choose their path between a more Force-happy sorcerer or the twin lightsaber-using assassin. Their counterpart, the Jedi consular, has a similar decision to make: that of a shadow, who can use double-bladed lightsabers, or a wizard, who uses a single lightsaber but can heal. Are Star Wars fans ready for wizards and sorcerers in their MMO? Somehow, we think so.

]]>
advanced-classesassassinbiowarebioware-mythicbothansbounty-hunterclassescommandocounsulardarth-haterea-biowaregamescomgamescom-2010i-find-your-lack-of-specialization-disturbingimperial-agentmercenaryoperativepowertechshadowsith-inquisitorsnipersorcererstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-old-republictortroopervanguardwizardWed, 18 Aug 2010 09:30:00 -0400319|19598307http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/15/one-shots-assassins-perch/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/15/one-shots-assassins-perch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/15/one-shots-assassins-perch/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
With so many headed to the rich new lands of Khitai in Age of Conan's recent expansion, Rise of the Godslayer, what's an assassin in the old world to do? Well, if you're Conumdrum from the Wiccana server, finding a good perch and waiting for an unsuspecting fool to wander past might seem like a good idea. He writes in: "A lone assassin sits high on the Black Temple in Khemi, watching over the empty streets as everyone heads to Khitai." We suspect he got tired of waiting and eventually joined everyone adventuring in the new lands. More people to kill there, after all!

One Shots relies on great reader screenshot submissions, so if you're playing a game that doesn't get love as much as you might like, please take a moment and send us some of your favorite screenshots. Just email them in to oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. We'll post them up here and give you the nod for sending them along!